Pune: PBMA’s H.V. Desai Eye Hospital recently organized Cornea Retrieval Hands-On Training sessions to mark the 40th National Eye Donation Fortnight. The workshops were conducted at H.V. Desai Eye Hospital and at MIMER Medical College and General Hospital, Talegaon.
With India facing a critical shortage of transplantable corneas, this observance plays a key role in narrowing the gap between the corneas collected and the demand for sight-restoring transplants nationwide. This year, the emphasis was placed on strengthening the skills of future ophthalmologists through focused training in eye banking and corneal retrieval.
Designed for postgraduate students and fellows, the training provided participants with theoretical insights, live demonstrations, and direct practical experience in the eye recovery process.
The sessions were led by a distinguished team including Dr. Shilpa Joshi, Head of the Cornea Department and Eye Bank Director at H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, along with Dr Snehal Ghadge (Cornea Consultant), Dr. Pooja Aandhare (Cornea Consultant), Mr. Satish Kurpad (Deputy Manager, Eye Bank), Eye Donation Counselors Mrs. Urmila Prabhune and Mrs. Manisha Pandhare, and Eye Bank Technician Mr. Sushant Yadav. At MIMER, the program was conducted on the invitation of Dr. Smita Pawar, Head of the Ophthalmology Department.
The workshops combined education on the importance of eye donation with live demonstrations and hands-on training, while also addressing the ethical aspects of corneal retrieval.
By equipping medical students with both knowledge and skills, these initiatives are not only enhancing clinical expertise but also building empathy and awareness about the life-changing impact of eye donation.
This year’s theme, “Everyday Heroes,” underscores the collective contributions of donors, families, counselors, technicians, and surgeons — all of whom play a vital role in restoring sight.
